"I thought I might look about the house." She casually shifted from his looming form. "It is after all to be my home." Her lips tightened. "At least for now."
"There will be plenty of time for that tomorrow. Surely you must be exhausted?"
"I require little sleep."
A small, worrisome smile played about his mouth. "What pleasant coincidence, I require little sleep myself."
Consumed with thoughts of a dank cell Shay was unprepared when he glided forward and scooped her from her feet.
Tucked closely to his chest Shay roundly cursed her inattention. She might not be capable of vampire speed but she could have done more than stand there like a gaping trout.
It was amazing what a well-placed kick or blow to the throat could do to even the most determined male.
"What are you doing?" she gritted.
With annoying ease, Viper moved toward the nearby doorway.
"You said you wished a tour."
"I can wander about on my own. There is no need for you..."
He hoisted her high enough so he could meet her gaze squarely. Just for a moment Shay struggled to breathe.
It wasn't just his stunning beauty. Most vampires were beautiful. How else could they so easily lure their prey? But there was something compelling about those midnight eyes. Something that threatened to stir sensations she definitely didn't want stirred.
"There is every need, my pet" he murmured in silken tones. "Now do be quiet and let me perform my duties as your host."
Shay grimly averted her gaze. She had never believed it was possible for her to ever be enthralled or seduced by a vampire, no matter what his powers. She had hated them her entire life.
Now, she wasn't nearly as certain as she should be.
"Do you make a habit of carrying all your guests around?" she muttered as she battled the most ridiculous urge to squirm in his arms.
"You are my first and only guest."
Her gaze shifted back to his elegant features. "You're lying."
His brows arched. "Why do you say that?"
"I can't believe a man like you would be willing to leave his harem behind."
"A man like me?"
"A vampire."
"Ah. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm currently harem-less." The midnight eyes flashed their magic. "Unless, of course, you are volunteering?"
The prickling excitement inched over her skin and pooled in the pit of her stomach. Dammit. She had never been so intensely aware of a man. Certainly not a man who had the bad taste to be a vampire.
It was freaking annoying.
Time for a distraction.
"You've truly never had any guest here before?"
The midnight gaze held a knowing amusement. One that made her want to take a poke at that long, perfectly aquiline nose.
"I come here to be alone."